Why Bachelor of Human Nutrition?
Food is more than just fuel. It’s an integral part of our lives, affecting our health and our happiness. But with so many food choices available, how do we know what’s best to eat?
Discover how cultural, environmental and social factors can influence what we eat. Learn how to plan menus, design specialised diets and practise food safety. Explore the relationship between diet and exercise and the importance of nutrition for athlete performance.
With our Bachelor of Human Nutrition, you’ll graduate ready to help people understand the role that nutrition can play in leading healthier lives.
Overview
It's well known that your diet can affect your weight status – but did you know it can also lead to anaemia, cognitive impairment, heart disease, osteoporosis and cancer?
Our Bachelor of Human Nutrition empowers you to improve lives by designing tailored diet and lifestyle plans that promote health, prevent disease and set individuals up for success.
Take a scientific approach to nutrition with courses in anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry and food science. Discover the intricate workings of the human body, from cells to complex systems, and learn how they integrate with nutrition for optimal health.
You’ll build a solid foundation in nutrition and health across all stages of life – understanding how balanced eating supports healthy childhood growth and healthy ageing.
With advanced skills in critical thinking, research and communication, you’ll be ready to make an immediate impact on the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities locally and across the globe.
Key features
Develop a scientific understanding of nutrition’s role across the lifespan.- Learn to create diet plans and provide nutrition advice to clients.
- Access discipline-specific teaching spaces and industry-standard kitchen facilities.
- Complete up to 200 hours in a relevant industry or research setting.
- Gain global perspectives and cultural understanding in nutrition science.
- Study specialised courses in anatomy, biology, public health, sports nutrition and more.
What you'll learn
Our Bachelor of Human Nutrition is a three-year degree that prepares you to become an expert in managing diets and lifestyles.
You’ll start with building a scientific foundation of knowledge across anatomy, biology, chemistry, biochemistry and physiology. From cells to whole body systems, you’ll learn how the human body processes food. You’ll also discover what we need to keep it healthy and functioning – from birth right through to old age.
Explore the relationship between diet and exercise performance with courses in sports nutrition. Dive into topics covering food chemistry, quality, safety and sustainability.
With a special focus on First Nations health, you’ll graduate ready to engage in culturally responsive practice and make a meaningful impact. You’ll also learn to conduct evidence-based research that enhances wellbeing.
In your final year, gain relevant experience by completing up to 200 hours in a relevant industry or research setting
Across the degree, you’ll enjoy flexible study options that will allow you to study online, in-person or hybrid.
Graduate ready to make a real difference in the world of nutrition and health.
What courses you'll study
Complete 144 units comprising:
- 114 units for Core courses, and
- 12 units for all Work integrated learning, and
- 18 units for Electives
Complete 114 units comprising:
- 18 units from Common core, and
- 96 units for all Program core
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
An Ethically Rich Life
|
Course code
COREX001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fact or Fiction: Data for Everyone
|
Course code
COREX002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Igniting Change: Ideas to Action
|
Course code
COREX003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Proppa Ways, Future Practice
|
Course code
COREX004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Responsible AI: Bridging Ethics, Education and Industry
|
Course code
COREX005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ways of Being, Ways of Seeing
|
Course code
COREX006
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Biology 1A: Molecules, Genes and Cells
|
Course code
BIOL1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Chemistry 1A
|
Course code
CHEM1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Human Anatomy and Physiology A
|
Course code
HBIO1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Human Anatomy and Physiology B
|
Course code
HBIO1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Health Research
|
Course code
HLTH1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Aboriginal Health, Culture, Community, and Country
|
Course code
INDG1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Nutrition
|
Course code
NUTR1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Integrative Nutritional Physiology
|
Course code
BIOL2003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Biochemistry 2: Metabolism
|
Course code
BIOL2015
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Lifespan Nutrition Physiology
|
Course code
NUTR2001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Culinary Nutrition
|
Course code
NUTR2002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Human Nutrition
|
Course code
NUTR2004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Biochemistry of Human Health
|
Course code
BIOL3002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Nutrition for Exercise and Performance
|
Course code
NUTR3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Nutrition Assessment and Behaviour Change
|
Course code
NUTR3002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Public Health and Community Nutrition
|
Course code
NUTR3003
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Biology 1A: Molecules, Genes and Cells
|
Course code
BIOL1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Human Anatomy and Physiology A
|
Course code
HBIO1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Health Research
|
Course code
HLTH1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Aboriginal Health, Culture, Community, and Country
|
Course code
INDG1003
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Chemistry 1A
|
Course code
CHEM1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Human Anatomy and Physiology B
|
Course code
HBIO1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Nutrition
|
Course code
NUTR1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Integrative Nutritional Physiology
|
Course code
BIOL2003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Human Nutrition
|
Course code
NUTR2004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Elective 1
|
Course code
AUXX1011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Biochemistry 2: Metabolism
|
Course code
BIOL2015
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Lifespan Nutrition Physiology
|
Course code
NUTR2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Culinary Nutrition
|
Course code
NUTR2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Elective 2
|
Course code
AUXX1012
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Nutrition Assessment and Behaviour Change
|
Course code
NUTR3002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Public Health and Community Nutrition
|
Course code
NUTR3003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Elective 3
|
Course code
AUXX1013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Biochemistry of Human Health
|
Course code
BIOL3002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Nutrition for Exercise and Performance
|
Course code
NUTR3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
WIL for Human Nutrition
|
Course code
NUTR3900
|
Units
12
|
Complete 12 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
WIL for Human Nutrition
|
Course code
NUTR3900
|
Units
12
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Biology 1A: Molecules, Genes and Cells
|
Course code
BIOL1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Human Anatomy and Physiology A
|
Course code
HBIO1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Health Research
|
Course code
HLTH1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Aboriginal Health, Culture, Community, and Country
|
Course code
INDG1003
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Chemistry 1A
|
Course code
CHEM1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Human Anatomy and Physiology B
|
Course code
HBIO1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Nutrition
|
Course code
NUTR1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Integrative Nutritional Physiology
|
Course code
BIOL2003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Human Nutrition
|
Course code
NUTR2004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Elective 1
|
Course code
AUXX1011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Biochemistry 2: Metabolism
|
Course code
BIOL2015
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Lifespan Nutrition Physiology
|
Course code
NUTR2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Culinary Nutrition
|
Course code
NUTR2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Elective 2
|
Course code
AUXX1012
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Nutrition Assessment and Behaviour Change
|
Course code
NUTR3002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Public Health and Community Nutrition
|
Course code
NUTR3003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Elective 3
|
Course code
AUXX1013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Biochemistry of Human Health
|
Course code
BIOL3002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Nutrition for Exercise and Performance
|
Course code
NUTR3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
WIL for Human Nutrition
|
Course code
NUTR3900
|
Units
12
|
Complete 18 units comprising:
- 18 units for all University-wide electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Biology 1A: Molecules, Genes and Cells
|
Course code
BIOL1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Human Anatomy and Physiology A
|
Course code
HBIO1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Health Research
|
Course code
HLTH1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Aboriginal Health, Culture, Community, and Country
|
Course code
INDG1003
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Chemistry 1A
|
Course code
CHEM1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Human Anatomy and Physiology B
|
Course code
HBIO1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Nutrition
|
Course code
NUTR1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Integrative Nutritional Physiology
|
Course code
BIOL2003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Human Nutrition
|
Course code
NUTR2004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Elective 1
|
Course code
AUXX1011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Biochemistry 2: Metabolism
|
Course code
BIOL2015
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Lifespan Nutrition Physiology
|
Course code
NUTR2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Culinary Nutrition
|
Course code
NUTR2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Elective 2
|
Course code
AUXX1012
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Nutrition Assessment and Behaviour Change
|
Course code
NUTR3002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Public Health and Community Nutrition
|
Course code
NUTR3003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Elective 3
|
Course code
AUXX1013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Biochemistry of Human Health
|
Course code
BIOL3002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Nutrition for Exercise and Performance
|
Course code
NUTR3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
WIL for Human Nutrition
|
Course code
NUTR3900
|
Units
12
|
Career outcomes
A degree in nutrition opens doors to a huge variety of fulfilling careers. You might work with kids who are picky eaters, broadening their palates and horizons. You could work in health promotion to help communities improve their diet and health. Perhaps you’ll embrace science and research – finding new ways to combat world hunger.
Other roles could include:
- Nutritionist
- Sports nutritionist
- Community health worker
- Food quality and safety manager
- Nutrition educator
- Health coach.
Industry trends
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), global adult obesity has more than doubled since 1990, and adolescent obesity increased fourfold (WHO, 2024). In many low-income and middle-income countries, there is also the double burden of malnutrition – where both undernutrition and obesity exist within the same country, or sometimes even in the same household. Nutrition experts are needed to unpack the genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors fuelling these changes in productive, culturally sensitive and evidence-based ways.
In Australia, there is a wide gap between recommended dietary guidelines and what people actually eat. It is estimated that 91% of children and 94% of adults don’t meet the recommendations for daily fruit and vegetable intake (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2023).
Bring your knowledge of nutrition to address these issues at the individual and community level, promoting empowered eating for health and wellbeing.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
